About your water meter

Your water meter measures the amount of water you use at your property in cubic meters. One cubic metre equals one thousand (1,000) litres. Municipality of Wawa staff calculate your water and wastewater bill by reading the automatic reading box (MXU) that is mounted somewhere near your meter.

Reading your meter

Each meter has a cover that can open to view the meter reading. When water is being used, the odometer would start to increase. To calculate how much cubic metres of water you are using, you would take a reading and then subtract that reading from a future reading.

Water meter leak indicator

You can use your water meter's flow indicator to detect plumbing issues that may cause higher than normal consumption on your water and wastewater bill. There are varying models of water meters. Depending on which model you have, the flow indicator is a plus sign (+) in the center of the circle or a red circle to the bottom right of the dial. Turn off all water sources and watch your meter for 10 to 15 minutes. If the flow indicator continues to stay as a plus sign (+) there is likely a leak. The most common leak issue is a toilet and it may be leaking even though you cannot hear it. The Dye Test is the best way to determine if your toilet is leaking. Follow these steps to check if your toilet it leaking.

  1. Remove the toilet tank cover and set it aside;
  2. Remove any ‘in-tank' bowl cleaners that colour the water;
  3. Begin the test with clear water in the tank and bowl;
  4. Place enough food colouring in the tank's water to get a deep colour;
  5. Wait 30 minutes. Your toilet is leaking if the dyed water has made its way into the toilet bowl. A proper operating toilet will store water in the tank without water running into the bowl.

If the dye test shows the toilet is leaking, the flapper valve is usually the cause. If you are unable to diagnose the issue, contact a licensed plumber right away to have it fixed.

Water meter problems

If you are having any issues with your water meter, contact the Finance department by email or call 705-856-2244 ext. 233.